The US military has confirmed it carried out a targeted operation against al-Shabab militants in Somalia.
"U.S. military forces conducted an operation in Somalia today against the al-Shabab network. We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information as and when appropriate," said Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby.
A senior Somali intelligence official told AP news agency that the US was targeting the leader of the group, Ahmed Abdi Godane.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said intelligence indicated Godane "might have been killed along with other militants".
The Somali army and troops from the African Union (AU) are continuing a major offensive against the al-Shabab, saying they have captured districts in the Hiran region, reported Al Jazeera.